Vulnerability Acquisition Transparency Framework: Government Zero-Day Purchasing Disclosure and Equitable Access Mechanisms
Description
Address the vulnerability market misalignment through a three-part framework: (1) Mandatory Government Disclosure of Zero-Day Acquisitions: All government agencies acquiring zero-day exploits must register them with an international vulnerability registry, disclosing the vulnerability details to the vendor within 30 days (unless a critical national security exception is invoked, with oversight).
This eliminates exclusive state access and forces equity into the market. (2) Equitable Vulnerability Acquisition Fund: A $500M global fund operated by CISA/ENISA/NCSC equivalents that purchases critical zero-days and immediately publishes them, making them available equally to all defenders. Funded through a small tax on government cyber operations budgets.
(3) Bug Bounty Harmonization: Establish floor pricing for vulnerability disclosures — critical vulnerabilities must command at least $200K in any disclosure channel (government acquisition, bug bounty, or black market). This eliminates the arbitrage that rewards black-market sales. Coordinated through international cyber policy forums.
Implementation Pathway
Phase 1 (2026–2027)
- • G20 nations adopt Government Zero-Day Disclosure Framework
- • Vulnerability Acquisition Fund capitalized and operational
- • Bug Bounty Harmonization agreement drafted
Phase 2 (2027–2029)
- • Fund acquires and publishes 50 critical zero-days annually
- • Government disclosure registry covers 80% of OECD cyber spending
- • Floor pricing enacted in 15 countries
Phase 3 (2029+)
- • Global norm that critical vulnerabilities cannot be withheld for exclusive use
- • Zero-day market pricing converges to ethical market rates
- • Defender access to vulnerability knowledge is equalized
Required Resources
Impact Analysis
Overall Net Impact
Combined analysis across all timeframes
Short-term
0-2 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Mid-term
3-10 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Long-term
10+ years
No benefits identified
No harms identified